I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good

[alt_ron]

That was wizard fun yesterday! (Except for the part that wasn't, but that didn't change that the whole thing was brilliant.)

The part I liked best was finding our bearings in the snow, because, yeah, that changes everything, but I knew the direction-finding charm to use and worked just like it was supposed to, and that was awesome.

So. What did you do best? Or what was most fun in your group? Aside from WINNING the whole game, before you say that, Perks!!!

I was thinking of going out this afternoon and trying that melting spell to make a long sluice down the sledging hill, but I'm stuck here waiting to talk to Madam Hooch. The twins and Towler said she might know something that could be done about my broom, but she's off to Hogsmeade or something today. I dunno. I want to talk to her, though, while there's still a chance because I think it's just getting worse and worse. I don't really think she'll be able to do anything, but I've got to try, y'know?

Comments

[alt_justin]

Hullo, Ron.

I say, it was well educational, wasn't it? I'm glad that charm worked so well.

And my condolences, again, on your broom. I say, that's the same chap who hexed your robes at the Ball, wasn't it? I thought that apart from that, our lot worked rather well together, what? I quite liked the transfigurative challenge though I suppose we could have done better had that chap Warrington not insisted on trying it first.

-Justin

[alt_ron]

Hullo, Justin.

That's what's so great about YPL, see? I mean, yeah, it does come along with a load of rubbish about how The Protectorate's so Great, but we've actually learned tonnes and done really wizard things. Mostly lessons are dead boring, but YPL's education and exciting, too. And mostly that's because we figure stuff out ourselves and show each other what we've worked out. Instead of sitting and pretending it's interesting when Binns or Acton or any of them, really, go on and on, telling us what other people before us have worked out and written down in textbooks, yeah?

Anywiz, we had some good ideas, I thought, though you're right about Warrington. I mean, really? He thought he knew better than all the rest of us who've had a whole year more Transfig? That sort of attitude's well annoying, but the Slytherins will cut him down a notch or two, wait and see. They take care of that sort of thing themselves, mostly. It's different in my House. Most of us have to look out not to step on the wrong side of people who've got connections.

Like with Finnigan. I'm going to get back at him for what he did, somehow, but I can't just challenge him. Or, anywiz, that would probably get me in loads of trouble if I did. But, honestly? It's pretty amusing watching him take it from all the rest of them for being an idiot. That's almost better than hexing him myself.

[alt_sally_anne]

It's brilliant because Professor Sinistra runs it. Imagine if Acton did. That wouldn't be nearly so fun.

And I know what you mean about Finnigan. Even Patil's barely talking to him.

[alt_justin]

You see, that's what so odd about the Protectorate. There are times one almost might think one's back in a free country with activities like this one, what? But then one recalls those who can't participate. And then there's the thought that strikes, which is whether Professor Sinistra would be able to do so much if she didn't enjoy the protection of your Professor Lestrange. (And yes, I'm aware that she began with the YPL before she took up with Professor Lestrange but one wonders at any rate.) And then there's the question of patronage for students, as well.

It's well confusing. I suppose there are some who think my interest in Hydra is a way of seeking protection. I know there's bally well nothing I can do about that but it's well frustrating.

-Justin

[alt_ron]

Well, I don't know about Professor Raz, but everyone knows it's been really good for Professor Siz to run YPL. I mean good for her. Her family's not much, y'know? And this gets her noticed. I'm not saying that's the only reason she does it. Or maybe it's not the reason at all, but it certainly works out for her that she does do it. If you see what I mean.

Or. Well, it's just the sort of thing my brother Percy would want to do.

About Hydra. I know you actually do fancy her, but when you first asked her to the ball, that wasn't part of the reason? Who she is, I mean.

[alt_justin]

Yes, but it also puts her at the centre of attention in other ways, ways that might make it harder for her to maintain fairness. As you said, what, her family is not well-placed. There must be pressure on her from somewhere to make sure that the 'right' sorts of people excel in the programme, do you see. And if she has no status of her own, what, then one wonders how easy it shall be for her to resist that pressure, over time. With Professor Lestrange behind her, she's got more of a chance, if you follow me--but even that's well confusing. From everything I've heard, he's highly placed precisely because he's one of the Lord Protector's own Council and he served close to the man for years. So...does he support being fair and equal? Or does he support the sorts of things that ensure Marvolo will win the Tournament or that the purebloods always come out top in marks, that sort of thing? And if so, then...how long shall it be before Professor Sinistra's views change to match his, what? Or if his views align with hers...then how long before he comes under scrutiny and disfavour?

Which brother is that? Do forgive me, old man, but you've so many of them, what!

As for Hydra--no. No, it was just the opposite. Well, I suppose some of it had to do with who she is, but not because of social climbing, what. It was.... I noticed her because she's related to Sirius, of course. And because her mother's who she is. But no, Ron, I should have to say that I spent a great deal of time trying not to fancy her, before I decided that it was bally well useless. I'd be a good job safer and she also if I didn't fancy her at all, if you follow me.

[alt_sally_anne]

I think if your broom isn't fixable then Finnigan should have to give you his. What a miserable ARSE he is, destroying your things -- first your robes, now your broom.

Anyway yesterday was BRILLIANT and I'd say so even if my team hadn't won. I think the thing that made me MOST happy was Neville ACING that Herbology task! Since I'd told Harry to pick him -- I don't know if he would have, otherwise. But also, when we 'rescued' the firsties they'd been told not to come with us unless we could win their trust, but one of them had gotten a knock on the knee and I used one of the mediwizardry charms to fix her up. They decided that showed we weren't trying to do them harm and they came along. (Did Astoria Greengrass really have to be put in a full-body-bind?!?)

[alt_ron]

Ha. Greengrass was hilarious. Well, would've been if we hadn't been trying to make up time.

She totally did! Said she wouldn't trust her sister or anyone working with her if we promised her the moon. And she meant it, too!

Glad it wasn't Gin, acting like that--if it had been, you can bet they'd all have blamed me. I was just glad no one acted like it was my fault what Finnigan did.

[alt_neville]

Thanks! (I found out I solved it the quickest of any of the teams, which made me pretty happy, too.)